Physical Inactivity Behavior Research Articles

Effects of physical inactivity behavior during COVID-19 pandemic on physical fitness, body composition, inflammatory cytokine, and immunocytes in older adults: A retrospective and prospective study

The prolonged period of COVID-19 has ingrained physical inactivity as a habit, leading to a reluctance to move. This has resulted in a decline in physical fitness and the loss of a healthy body composition. While this trend is particularly noticeable among the older adults, its impact on the immune cell defense system, which is crucial for minimizing viral infections, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the physical fitness, body composition, cytokines and immunocytes of older adults who engaged in physical activity (PA) before the COVID-19 pandemic but had to stop it due to the lockdown. A total of 172 older adults aged 61 to 85 years participated in this study: 90 in non-PA group (NPAG, 34 men and 56 women), and 82 in PA group (PAG, 29 men and 53 women). Physical inactivity was 45.13 ± 5.67 weeks in the NPAG and 1.70 ± 0.43 weeks in the PAG. Although there was no significant difference in calorie intake, PA volume showed a significant decrease in NPGA (P < 0.001). VO₂max, strength, and sit-ups decreased in NPAG, whereas they maintained or increased in PAG (Ps < 0.001). NPAG experienced an increase in fat mass (∼33.0 %), along with a decrease in muscle mass (∼10.4 %), but PAG showed slight increases (∼1.1 % vs. ∼1.5 %, Ps < 0.001). Interleukin-6 (∼38.9 %), tumor necrosis factor-α (∼38.3 %), and C-reactive protein (∼33.6 %) increased, whereas immunocytes decreased in NPAG (Ps < 0.001). In contrast, those in PAG showed the opposite phenomenon. This study indicates that even during the COVID-19 situation, maintaining active PA in the older adults helps retain beneficial physical fitness and body composition, reduces inflammatory factors, and contributes to preserving or enhancing the function of immunocytes.

Subtypes of major depressive disorders and objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behaviors in the community

BackgroundLack of physical activity (PA) and high sedentary behavior (SB) may enhance mental health problems, including depression, and are associated with increased mortality. Aside from a large body of research on major depressive disorder (MDD) assessed as an entity and either PA or SB, few studies have examined associations among subtypes of MDD and both PA and SB simultaneously derived from wrist-worn accelerometers. Accordingly, our aim was to explore the associations among MDD subtypes (atypical, melancholic, combined atypical-melancholic and unspecified) and four actigraphy-derived behaviors combining the levels of PA and SB. MethodsThe sample stemmed from CoLaus|PsyCoLaus, a population-based cohort study, consisting of 2375 participants (55.1% women; mean age: 62.4 years) who wore an accelorometer for 14 days after a physical exam and subsequently completed a semi-structured psychiatric interview. Activity behaviors were defined according to the combination of the levels of moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA and SB. Associations of remitted MDD subtypes, current MDD and physical inactivity behaviors were assessed using multinomial logistic regression, adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics, a history of anxiety, alcohol and drug use disorders and cardiovascular risk factors. ResultsIn the fully adjusted model, participants with the remitted combined atypical-melancholic subtype had a higher risk of being more physically inactive. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that low PA and high SB are not restricted to the duration of depressive episodes in people with atypical and melancholic episodes. The lack of PA and high SB in this group of depressive patients exposes them to an additional long-term cardiovascular risk and measures to increase PA may be particularly fruitful in this MDD subgroup.

College Students' Readiness to Change in Physical Inactivity Behavior using Perfection Quotient Behavioral Model

Background: In 2022, about 25% of U.S. adults reported engaging in no leisure-time physical activity, and among those who reported being physically active, only 24% engaged in enough physical activity to meet both aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines. Physical inactivity has been linked to a higher risk of all-cause mortality, numerous chronic diseases, and negative mental health outcomes such as anxiety and depression. Physical inactive behavior is influenced by individual and environmental influences and becomes more acute in college students. Objectives: In this study, we deploy a novel behavioral model called Perfection Quotient (PQ) and its components/ constructs Health Emotional Quotient (HEQ), Health X Quotient (HXQ), and Health Spiritual Quotient (HSQ) to explain the readiness to change for physical inactivity behavior in a sample of college students in Mississippi, USA. Methods: Cross-sectional study was undertaken at a public university in Mississippi. A random sample of 572 was drawn from 5,000 students from the university registrar’s list. A 37-item survey delivered via QualtricsTM online survey software was administered among students aged &gt; 18 years. The survey included questions on the three constructs of PQ. The association between these three components and physical inactivity was assessed using binomial logistic regression. Results: Of the survey respondents 51.2% (n=293) reported intentions to change their physical inactivity behavior. The mean scores of the constructs of the PQ model were, HEQ = 29.81 units (SD = 5.74; observed and possible range: 0-40), HXQ = 23.67 units (SD = 4.67; observed range: 0-34; possible 0-36), HSQ = 17.78 units (SD = 4.93; observed and possible range: 0-24), PQ = 71.38 units (SD 12.18; observed range: 0-97; possible 0-100). HEQ with its components of self-awareness, mood management, and self-motivation had an odds ratio of 0.947 (95% CI: 0.905 to 0.992) and was marginally negatively associated with the likelihood of readiness to change physical inactivity behavior (p&lt;0.02). HXQ with its components of cautiousness, independence, and competition had an odds ratio of 0.996 (95% CI: 0.944 to 1.051) and was not a significant predictor (p&gt;0.05). HSQ with its components of self-love and love for others was marginally positively associated with the likelihood of readiness to change physical activity behavior (p&lt;0.005) and had an odds ratio of 1.077 (95% CI: 1.022 to 1.135). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the three constructs of the PQ model need to evolve further, instrumentation augmented, and further longitudinal studies designed.

Promoting Effects of the Exercise Behavioral Ecological Model on Physical Activity Behaviors of Students.

Objectives: In this study, we explored the promoting effects of the Exercise Behavioral Ecological Model on the physical activity behaviors of middle school students, and relevant risk factors for physical inactivity. Methods: A total of 291 middle school students (junior and senior high school students) were enrolled as the research participants. The sedentary behavior of middle school students was assessed using the Adolescent Sedentary Behavior Scale. We used the Exercise Behavioral Ecological Model to influence the exercise behaviors of middle school students from the perspectives of environment, physiology, and psychology. Then the independent risk factors for physical inactivity behaviors of middle school students were analyzed by means of multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The change strategy, positive effect on decision-making balance, and self- efficacy scores were higher and the negative effect on decision-making balance score was lower than those before intervention (p<.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis denoted that grade (senior high school students), sedentary time (> 4 hours), daily TV watching time (>2 hours) and change stage (pre-contemplation stage) were associated risk factors for physical inactivity among middle school students (p <.05). Conclusions: The Exercise Behavioral Ecological Model can facilitate physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior.

Effects of a theory‐based exercise intervention on physical activity levels and health‐related outcomes in older people with chronic diseases

The benefits of physical activity are well-documented, and the prevalence of physical inactivity is high in older patients with chronic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the impact of an aerobic exercise intervention based on the capacity, opportunity, motivation-behavior (COM-B) model on physical activity and health-related outcomes in this population. Thirty-five participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (IG) for an exercise intervention based on the COM-B model, and 33 were assigned to the control group (CG) for usual care. Physical activity levels, daily steps and bone mineral density T-value, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, subendocardial myocardial viability rate, central arterial pressure, growth index, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, ankle-arm index were measured at baseline, during the 12-week intervention, and after the 12-week follow-up. Compared with the CG and pre-intervention, total physical activity in the IG increased significantly (P < 0.05); however, after the 12-week follow-up, total physical activity decreased. At the same time, the average daily steps of the elderly in both groups increased. Compared with the CG, at the 12-week follow-up, the bone mineral density T-value in the IG was significantly improved (P < 0.05). Compared with the pre-intervention values, during the 12-week intervention, bone mineral density T-value, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, subendocardial myocardial viability rate and central arterial pressure were significantly improved (P < 0.05); after the 12-week follow-up, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and ankle-arm index were significantly improved (P < 0.05). No statistically significant changes in the growth index were detected, independent of the group and time. Theory-based exercise interventions can change the physical inactivity behavior of older people with chronic diseases, effectively promoting physical activity and improves bone mineral density T-value, controls body weight, and reduces cardiovascular risk and physiological indicators related to atherosclerosis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 78-84.

Covid-19 Quarantine: Impact of Lifestyle Behaviors Changes on Endothelial Function and Possible Protective Effect of Beetroot Juice.

The current recommendation for reducing person-to-person Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) transmission is social distancing, including remote work and school, and home confinement. However, confinement may cause negative feelings, such as frustration, anger, boredom, and stress, in quarantined people. Furthermore, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity behaviors are commonly linked to home confinement, leading to weight gain, metabolic disorders, smoking, and exacerbated alcohol consumption. As a result, these unhealthy behaviors are typically linked to vascular endothelium damage (endothelial dysfunction), which is a first step for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Given that CVD is the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, attenuating the progression of endothelial dysfunction is very important for the control of CVD. Consuming vegetable rich in nitrate, such as beetroots, may be an effective way to prevent endothelial dysfunction. Several emerging studies have recommended beetroot juice in order to improve endothelial function in hypertensive, hypercholesterolemic individuals, as well as in those with CVD risk factors. Therefore, nitrate-rich vegetable consumption, such as beetroot, should be encouraged to be included in the diet during confinement from COVID-19 outbreaks in order to alleviate the potential negative effect of home confinement on cardiovascular health.

The Impact of Smoking and Multiple Health Behaviors on All-Cause Mortality

Four common health risk behaviors have the greatest impact on all-cause mortality risk, but studies are needed with larger samples and the appropriate age range for cigarette smokers. We examined the impact of smoking in the context of multiple health behaviors on all-cause mortality using a nationally representative sample of adults aged 30 and older in the United States. National Health Interview Survey data from 1997 to 2005 were linked to the National Death Index with a follow-up to December 2015. The primary dependent variable was all-cause mortality, and the primary predictors were smoking, heavy drinking, physical inactivity, and unhealthy weight (underweight or obesity). The sample contained 189,087 individuals (≥ age 30; population estimate = 140.7 million). Our primary statistical analysis tool involved fitting Cox proportional hazards models. Our findings demonstrated that smoking led to the highest mortality risk among the four risk behaviors examined, but more than half of smokers engaged in at least one additional health risk behavior. Smokers who engaged in multiple health behaviors experienced higher increased mortality risks: smoking combined with one other health risk behavior increased mortality risk by 32% and by 82% when combined with two behaviors. Engaging in all four risk behaviors more than doubled the mortality risk of smokers. Smoking cessation interventions that address multiple risk behaviors—physical inactivity, heavy drinking, and unhealthy weight—will likely prevent premature death better than interventions that address only smoking.

Heritability of physical activity in Japanese adults: A twin study

WHO has reported that physical inactivity (PA) is the 4th risk factor of non-communicable diseases. Despite the well-known health benefits of PA, it is apparent that almost population may not be sufficiently active to derive these benefits. Recently, previous studies in western countries reported that genetic factors associated PA. However, in Asia population, that has been unclear yet. The objective of present study was to estimate the heritability of PA by using twin study. Participants were members of the Osaka University Aged Twin Registry. Our sample included 856 twins (313 men and 543 women, mean age 59.3 ± 20.1). Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Osaka University Ethics Committee. PA and sedentary behavior were assessed by the Japanese short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Participants answered about intensity, frequency and duration of their PA for one week. Derived phenotypes were: vigorous PA (VPA); moderate PA (MPA); walking (WPA); total PA (TPA); sitting time (ST). Structural equation modelling analysis was performed to evaluate the relative importance of genes and environments for the phenotypes measured. When different genetic models were compared, the additive genetic/specific environment (AE) model offered the best fit according to Akaike Information Criterion. For WPA, 42% of the variance was explained by additive genetic effects and 58% was by unique environmental (including error) effects. For ST, 19% of the variance was explained by additive genetic effects and 81% was by unique environmental effects. There were no significant additive genetic effects in VPA, MPA, and TPA. We conclude that walking and sedentary behavior influenced by additive genetic factors in Japanese adults. These results would help us provide an appropriate approach for people to be physically active. This work was supported by MEXT KAKENHI; 16K21530, 16K15385, 16K15978, and 16K15989.

The role of habitual physical activity on arterial stiffness in elderly Individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis

[Purpose] Physical inactivity behavior at middle age or older is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the effects of levels of habitual physical activity on arterial stiffness in elderly population remain unclear currently. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to demonstrate whether the effects of habitual physical activity could attenuate arterial stiffness in elderly individuals via a meta-analysis. [Methods] We searched the Medline and Embase databases from January 1997 through November 2017, using the medical subject headings “older population”, “physical activity” (e.g., walking, cycling, climbing, and any participation in sports), “arterial stiffness”, “pulse wave velocity”, and “cardiovascular health” published in English. Six articles (2,932 participants) were included in this meta-analysis. We investigated the effects of habitual physical activity on arterial stiffness, which was measured by the pulse wave velocity. [Results] Results confirmed heterogeneity (Q-value = 160.691, p = 0.000, I2 = 96.888) between individual studies. The effect size was calculated using random effect model. It has shown that physically active individuals have significantly lower arterial stiffness than their sedentary peers do (standardized mean difference: -1.017 ± 0.340, 95% confidence interval: -1.684 ~ -0.350, p = 0.003). [Conclusion] Findings of our systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that habitual physical activity can significantly ameliorate arterial stiffness in the elderly population. Keywords: arterial stiffness, habitual physical activity, elderly individual, meta-analysis, heterogeneity, and random effect model

The role of habitual physical activity on arterial stiffness in elderly Individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis

[Purpose]Physical inactivity behavior at middle age or older is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the effects of levels of habitual physical activity on arterial stiffness in elderly population remain unclear currently. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to demonstrate whether the effects of habitual physical activity could attenuate arterial stiffness in elderly individuals via a meta-analysis. [Methods]We searched the Medline and Embase databases from January 1997 through November 2017, using the medical subject headings “older population”, “physical activity” (e.g., walking, cycling, climbing, and any participation in sports), “arterial stiffness”, “pulse wave velocity”, and “cardiovascular health” published in English. Six articles (2,932 participants) were included in this meta-analysis. We investigated the effects of habitual physical activity on arterial stiffness, which was measured by the pulse wave velocity. [Results]Results confirmed heterogeneity (Q-value = 160.691, p = 0.000, I2 = 96.888) between individual studies. The effect size was calculated using random effect model. It has shown that physically active individuals have significantly lower arterial stiffness than their sedentary peers do (standardized mean difference: -1.017 ± 0.340, 95% confidence interval: -1.684 ~ -0.350, p = 0.003). [Conclusion]Findings of our systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that habitual physical activity can significantly ameliorate arterial stiffness in the elderly population.

Socio-demographic association of non communicable diseases' risk factors in a representative population of school children: a cross-sectional study in Sousse (Tunisia).

A better understanding of socio-demographic characteristics of subgroups, which have a high risk to develop chronic diseases, is essential to develop more efficient interventional programs especially for youth. This study aimed to determine the association between clusters of non communicable diseases (NCDs') risk factors and the socio-demographic characteristics among a sample of Tunisian school children. We conducted, in 2013/2014, a cross-sectional study among a proportional and stratified school children sample, selected in 17 elementary public schools in Sousse (Tunisia). A cluster analysis was used to identify different NCDs risk factors clusters, based on tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and excess weight. Subsequent χ2-tests were used to identify differences between the NCDs risk factors clusters in regards to socio-demographic characteristics. Four clusters of NCDs risk factors were found: 1) Cluster 1: physical inactivity behavior with normal weight, 2) Cluster 2: physical inactivity behavior associated to excess weight, 3) Cluster 3: unhealthy diet associated to excess weight and low practice of physical activity, and 4) Cluster 4: smoking behavior with physical activity behavior. The pattern of cluster membership differed across sex (<10-3), school level, and socioeconomic level (<10-3) but there was no significant difference between clusters for mother's education levels and household tenure. This study can have important implications for health policy and practice. Indeed, it found that many subjects have simultaneous multiple NCDs risk factors which leads to identify groups at risk and implement integrated intervention program.

Barriers to Physical Activity from Educational College Students' Perspective

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore factors influencing physical inactivity behaviors and to identify lifestyle-related strategies that can facilitate physical activity among educational college students. Methods: Modified ground theory was employed for obtaining information on aspects of the barriers to the physical activity and for giving suggestions to emerged themes. An open-ended questionnaire was used to collect data from 121 general educational college students. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 college students from G National University of Education. Focus group interview was performed with 8 students who participated in in-depth interview. The transcripts were carefully read and similar data content were grouped together for primary categorization using constant comparison method. The categories were examined for interrelationships among the categories and organized into three categories. The three categories were compared and grouped into themes and examined for interrelationships to develop the conceptual framework representing the data. The external validity of the data was enhanced from the opinion of the experts. A group expert interview was conducted with five college instructors who did not participate in the formal interviews. The feedback from the expert interview was incorporated into the results. Results: Results of the study were presented according to the three emerging themes: Predisposing factors, motivators, and suggestions. Conclusion: Thirteen barriers were identified that can negatively influence physical activity, which were later grouped into two main categories: personal and external barriers. Various approaches to facilitate physical activity were discussed.

Abstract A17: Prostate cancer screening of African American men aged 40–75 in Jefferson County, Arkansas

Abstract Prostate Cancer Screening of Men in Jefferson County, Arkansas applicably named Men Aware of Cancer (MAC) is an interdisciplinary pilot study that aims to utilize a Community Popular Opinion Leaders model (CPOL) by recruiting ten community leaders, who will recruit one-hundred (100) men of Black/African American) descent, aged 40–75, in Jefferson County, Arkansas, for a prostate cancer prevention awareness and action program. The MAC pilot program seeks to educate the community about co-morbidities and other health related issues such as obesity, dietary intake, and physical inactivity behaviors that play a role in the onset and development of prostate cancers. Ten CPOLs will be recruited through local churches, barbershops, civic organizations, and physician's offices, and trained to assist in reaching and mentoring the target population in Jefferson County, Arkansas. CPOLs will assist in the discussion and dissemination of literature, identification of patient barriers to active individual prevention and screening, and recruit participants for the educational components of the program that will be provided throughout the year. The MAC pilot program will also provide community based, accessible, and culturally relevant programming, that will bridge the gap between community members and health care. The overall goal is to affect the disproportionate cancer health disparities experienced in Black/African American communities in Jefferson County and throughout Arkansas. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):A17.

Training Health Care Professionals to Manage Overweight Adolescents: Experience in Rural Georgia Communities

The obesity epidemic threatens the present and future health of adolescents in the United States. Yet, health care providers lack specific training for pediatric obesity assessment and management. This study examined the adherence of rural Georgia primary care practitioners to an overweight adolescent management protocol. The study also documented the prevalence of obesity-associated physiological and behavioral risk factors among overweight adolescent patients. Ten rural clinics (58 providers) were recruited and received a 90-minute adolescent overweight assessment and management training session. Select biochemical, dietary, physical activity, and physical inactivity behaviors were assessed in overweight adolescent patients. Medical charts were abstracted to assess practitioner compliance with an overweight assessment protocol and patient adherence to a 16-week follow-up visit. Providers were receptive to training and complied with the recommended protocol. Eighty-five overweight adolescents were assessed, but only 49 (57%) completed the scheduled 16-week follow-up visit. Physical, biochemical, and behavioral assessments revealed that 13%-27% of the participants had abnormal levels of lipids, fasting glucose, and glucose/insulin ratio, and 80.5% had waist circumferences above the 90th percentile. Practitioners complied with the assessment and follow-up protocol, leading to the discovery of previously unrecognized risk factors in many overweight adolescent patients. Lack of patient adherence to follow-up was the greatest limiting factor for obesity management. Further efforts are needed to implement and evaluate training to improve the management of adolescent overweight, especially in rural communities.